[Tonyride]

I just want to say hi to everyone, let everyone know where I'm coming from and even ask a few questions.

I currently own a 2004 Acura TSX with 176,000 trouble free miles (literally). This thing has been very reliable and I love the car even now. But it is time to move up or move over into something else before things start to fall apart - if they ever do. One of the things I loved about this car is the gas mileage. I consistently get near 30MPG and would like to find an entry lux car that gets close to that.

I've been looking at the usual players in the segment including the 328i and the Audi A4. Those two get very expensive, very fast. I like the price and look of the A4, but I might hold off and wait for the Mercedes cLA250.

The CLA250 looks to be an exact fit for me: Entry lux, good MPG, good price tag, FWD for those few snowy days in the mid-atlantic region.

So my question is, how difficult will it be to buy one of these when they come out? How about even getting ahold of one to test drive?

I'm kind of in the same boat as you (current car getting up there in mileage and looking for an entry lux). I contacted my local MB dealer and asked to schedule a test drive as soon as they get them. They said they'll notify me as soon as they have them on their lot and all prepped to go. I suggest you do the same.

 

[Tonyride]

Good idea. Do you think that the stealerships will jack the price over MSRP for the first couple months?

two specific questions here:

Does it have an option for remote start? I'd rather not go aftermarket for that. What about smart keyless entry? (IOW, it unlocks by sensing the keys are close)

I don't know if the dealer will jack up the price above MSRP but there's a lot of competition in the entry luxury segment with new ones coming out soon so I don't think they will jack up the price. I do know I won't put up with it if they did.

As for your question about remote start as a factory option, I don't think it is offered so you might have to go aftermarket.

With the mbrace2 and an app on your smart phone (and the standard keyfob) you'll be able to unlock your car remotely but it won't automatically sense you're there and unlock it for you like the keyless start systems will.